Median Income
$65,313
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,200
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.7%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$560
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cook Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population361
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density2,124/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,313
Per Capita$34,006
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,791M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,200
Rent$560
Ownership66.5%
Zillow$216,382
Housing Units193
Rent Burden16.4%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property3,811/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking13.6%
Depression18.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain32.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,077 ft (328 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute24 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Cook a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cook receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Cook offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cook is $65,313, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cook is $83,200, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $560 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cook is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,811 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Cook experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches, including 25.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Cook has a population of 361 with a density of 2,124 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97%), with 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Cook is $65,313, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,006 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,020, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 508 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,313 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,006 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,878 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 508 |
| County GDP | $1,791M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,100 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Cook is $83,200, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,382, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $560 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 193 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $5,100 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,200 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $216,382 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $560 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.5% |
| Housing Units | 193 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,100 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.13% |
In Cook, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 23.8% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 18.3% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,327. The dentist ratio is 1:1,800. 71.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cook vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 18.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,327 |
| Dentists | 1:1,800 |
| Mental Health | 1:743 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,091/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Cook has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,811 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cook receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cook vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 69.0/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,810.6/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cook experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches. The area receives 25.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,077 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,077 ft (328 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,124/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5106°N, 96.1616°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otoe County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.2"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
28 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
54 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
54 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
48 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
634 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 428 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,819 ac, 1996).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
99 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Cook has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Cook. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook
What is the population of Cook?
Cook has a population of 361 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,124 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Cook expensive to live in?
Cook is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,313, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,200 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $560 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cook safe?
Cook is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,811 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cook receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cook?
Cook has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.2 inches, with 25.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Cook?
The job market in Cook is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,020. There are 508 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cook?
The median home value in Cook is $83,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,382. For renters, the median monthly rent is $560. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,100.
How are the schools in Cook?
Schools in Cook score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.7% of adults in Cook hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cook?
The obesity rate in Cook is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 18.3% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 71.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,327.
What is transportation like in Cook?
The average commute in Cook is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cook?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cook is 97% White, 2.2% Black or African American. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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